Submissions close 1 April 2019.
Playmarket with Auckland Live presents Playwrights b4 25
Change the world – write a play!
Playmarket is again searching for the best plays from young New Zealand writers. If you’re under 25 and you have a new play, we’d love to read it.
We’re looking for writers under 25 who take risks and throw care to the wind, as well as those who write strong, conventional plays. Write about anything you like that matters to you in any way you like, for any kind of audience you like. There are absolutely no restrictions in style or content. Whether it’s a full-length monologue or an epic for a cast of thousands, a comedy or a gritty urban tragedy, we’re interested in what you have to say.
Playwrights b4 25 has a proven track record of nurturing young writers to successful seasons of their work both in New Zealand and internationally – you could be next.
This competition is open to any New Zealand citizen/permanent resident aged 24 and under at time of application.
Plays entered into this competition may have had a production – either amateur or professional.
Apart from this, there are no rules!
How to submit:
Email your submission to us with the attached submission form:
HOWEVER – If you have difficulty downloading the submission form, all you have to do is ensure you include with your script:-
- A cover letter with a brief introduction to yourself (a CV if you like) explaining briefly how you came to write your play(s).
- a list of characters with brief description
- a brief synopsis
- confirmation that you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- confirmation that the play has not had more than one professional production (ask if you’re not sure – it can be a grey area.)
- confirmation that the play is all your own original work
- AND – please ensure the pages are numbered.
Additional Info
You may submit as many plays as you like, with no limits on length or cast size.
Check some published playscripts if you need an idea of how to format your play. Formatting style is entirely up to you – as long as it is easily readable.
Don’t worry too much if you feel your play isn’t ‘production-ready’. A near-final draft with excellent potential has just as much chance of winning.
Don’t feel you have to copy any other writer or follow any ‘expert’ advice either.
Also, check out this article from The Guardian: Michael Morpurgo’s top tips for writing.
Michael Morpurgo, former children’s laureate, author of more than 120 books, including War Horse, and judge of the Wicked Young Writers’ Award, offers his top advice for writers of all ages
Prize
The winner receives $1,500 towards developing an idea for a new work. Auckland Live’s programming team will provide feedback and advice to the winner and work with them to advance and develop their idea/project.
A minimum of three plays will be chosen for development attention – what that is will depend on what your play needs, and the resources available where you live. Everyone who makes the short list will be eligible for some feedback on their work.